A dog is more than a cute bundle of energy that needs food and petting. Dogs require love and attention the whole day through. What steps must one take to keep their dog happy? In this article, we provide ample advice culled from some of the best sources in dog training. Read on to learn more.

Getting a dog is going to cost you some money. The costs associated with general and medical care along with high-quality food can be upwards of a thousand per year. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.

Make your home dog-proof. Take the time to tour your home with an eye for safety before you introduce your dog to your home. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.

When training a dog, practice in the yard or your home. You do not want to train your dog around a bunch of people. There are too many distractions there.

It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. If you like to go out running in the evenings, select a dog that also enjoys vigorous exercise. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. Avoiding a mismatch means both of you will be happier.

If your dog behaves properly, be sure it is praised and given affection. You need to reward good behavior. This will teach your dog that praise comes from good behavior.

When you get a new dog, it is best that you schedule a check-up at the vet right away. Do this as soon as your dog arrives at your doorstep. A vet will make sure the dog is healthy and also set up a future schedule of vaccinations. Also discuss with your vet about spaying or neutering your dog because there is a problem of over-population of dogs in shelters.

You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. Your pet shouldn’t be ahead of you, behind you, or anywhere that isn’t by your side. They should also answer correctly when you say “heel”. This will not only make your walks more enjoyable, but it will also help keep your dog safe. Even if you’re using loose leashes for walking here and there, make sure the dog understands this command.

If your dog seems lonely or seems to have separation anxiety, leave the radio or a CD on when you leave the house. The sound will help him feel more secure and not as alone. When it comes to treating your pet’s anxiety, a little music could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

You will become a much better dog owner if you take the time to learn more about him. Your dog deserves to be well taken care of and loved by a good owner. Let’s say you were the dog–it would make you happy to know your owner has researched everything about you.

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